Microsoft disclosed its collaboration with the Chinese mobile device manufacturer Xiaomi while announcing its Windows 10 launch. According to their agreement with Xiaomi, Microsoft has stated that it will run its Windows 10 on the Mi 4 - which is one of Xiaomi's handsets. We know that Mi 4 is an Android, so how exactly will Microsoft be able to launch its Windows 10 Technical Preview on an Android device? The answer is by the help of a custom ROM.
This custom ROM which is being made by Microsoft will be similar to any other ROM that you have tried on Android, like the CyanogenMod. A ROM is basically an install-able image of an OS which can override the existing OS in your device and make it feel all new. So this new ROM of Window 10 will be provided to some selected Mi 4 users which will be 'flashable' and complete with Microsoft services too.
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Microsoft's intention behind this plan is to get in direct touch with the users and get their feedback to improve their Windows. Though it's limited to selected users in China who are having the Mi 4 handsets, Microsoft is looking forward to do such cross-platform collaborations in the near future too. But one thing is needed to be understood that Microsoft does not have any plans to make its OS available to other platforms completely. Microsoft has selected Xiaomi because the Chinese vendor receives a lot of feedback from its customers over its weekly updates.
Microsoft said in a statement to TechCrunch that "This partnership will allow Xiaomi and Microsoft to get direct user feedback and continue to improve the experience for China. Microsoft is thrilled to see Xiaomi embracing Windows 10,"
Many screenshots of a purported Xiaomi Mi4 running Windows 10 have surfaced online. We will leave you to judge them:
“Through a new program with Xiaomi, one of the top smart phone distributors in the world, a select group of Xiaomi Mi 4 power users will be invited to help test Windows 10 and contribute to its future release later this year," said Microsoft in a blog post. "These power users will have the opportunity to download the Windows 10 Technical Preview – installing it and providing their feedback to Microsoft."